If you’ve ever wished you could eat cookie dough without a second thought, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These irresistibly soft, heart-shaped bites let you indulge in that nostalgic, creamy cookie dough flavor—packed with mini chocolate chips and coated in a luscious chocolate shell—making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few for yourself whenever a sweet craving strikes. Whether it’s a special occasion or a comforting treat, this recipe brings the joy of raw cookie dough in a safe, delightful form that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a star role, coming together to create the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and that classic chocolate chip cookie taste you crave. From creamy butter to rich chocolate, these simple ingredients are essential for achieving the ideal texture and flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps the dough hold together perfectly.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness in the dough texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep molasses note, adding warmth and moisture to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, infusing the dough with a lovely aromatic hint.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated): Ensures safety for raw eating while maintaining that authentic cookie dough texture.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds gooey sweetness and binds the dough together without eggs.
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of chocolate that scatter sweetness through every bite.
- 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or chocolate melts): For dipping and coating, creating a smooth, glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional): Helps the chocolate coating set beautifully with a silky sheen.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Heat-Treated Flour
To enjoy this cookie dough safely raw, heat-treat your flour first. Spread the all-purpose flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, then let it cool completely. This simple step kills any bacteria without altering the flour’s texture or flavor, giving you peace of mind with every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Base
Start by beating your softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and light, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the vanilla extract, beating until combined. Slowly add in the heat-treated flour and sweetened condensed milk alternately, mixing gently just until everything comes together into a smooth, pliable dough.
Step 3: Fold in the Mini Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed so that every heart-shaped bite bursts with that signature chocolate chip goodness. Using mini chips helps keep the texture consistent and delightful.
Step 4: Shape the Hearts
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and press it into heart-shaped silicone molds or shape them by hand on parchment-lined trays. This takes a bit of love, but the adorable shape makes them impossible to resist!
Step 5: Chill the Cookie Dough Hearts
Pop the shaped cookie dough into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step is crucial, as it helps the cookie dough hold its shape better during the chocolate coating process.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Chocolate Coating
Melt your semisweet or milk chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Dip each chilled dough heart halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, then place them on parchment paper to set. Refrigerate again for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair by sprinkling sea salt flakes or decorating your cookie dough hearts with a drizzle of white or dark chocolate to contrast colors. You can also press a few mini chocolate chips or festive sprinkles on the wet chocolate before it sets for a fun, personalized touch.
Side Dishes
These hearts shine as a dessert centerpiece alone, but pairing them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm mug of coffee can elevate the experience. The creamy, dreamy textures and flavors complement each other beautifully, turning any casual snack into a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a romantic occasion or party, serve your cookie dough hearts arranged on a decorative platter lined with colorful parchment paper or alongside fresh berries for a pop of color. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes for charming homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookie dough hearts fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy these treats whenever the mood strikes without worrying about spoilage.
Freezing
These cookie dough hearts freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months, ready to thaw in the fridge when you want a sweet surprise.
Reheating
Since they are best enjoyed chilled with their chocolate coating firm, reheating is not typically necessary. However, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for a softer bite, perfect if you prefer a creamier texture.
FAQs
Is the flour safe to eat raw in this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe?
Yes! The flour is heat-treated before being mixed into the dough, which kills any harmful bacteria and makes it safe to enjoy raw. Don’t skip this step for safety and peace of mind.
Can I use regular chocolate chips for the coating?
Absolutely. Semisweet or milk chocolate chips work wonderfully, as do chocolate melts if you want an extra glossy finish. Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil helps smooth out the chocolate for an even coating.
How long can I store these cookie dough hearts?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and maintains the taste and texture well.
Can I make these cookie dough hearts vegan?
With some substitutions, yes! Use vegan butter, a plant-based condensed milk alternative, and dairy-free chocolate chips. However, the taste and texture may vary slightly, so experiment to find what you like best!
What’s the best way to shape the dough into hearts?
Using heart-shaped silicone molds is the easiest way to get perfect shapes every time. If you don’t have molds, carefully hand-shaping with your fingers or using a small cookie cutter on flattened dough portions also works well.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe brings joy not only through its incredible taste but also through the simple pleasure of something homemade and heartfelt. Whether for a cozy night in, a festive gift, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, these delightful bites are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try—you won’t regret discovering your new favorite cookie dough treat!
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for heat-treating flour)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Hearts are a delightful no-bake treat featuring safe-to-eat cookie dough studded with mini chocolate chips and coated in melted chocolate for a smooth, irresistible finish. Perfect for sharing during special occasions or as a sweet indulgence, this recipe combines creamy, buttery dough with rich chocolate in a fun heart shape.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated to kill bacteria or use heat-treated flour)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Coating
- 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or chocolate melts)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour: Heat-treat the flour by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Allow it to cool completely before using to ensure the cookie dough is safe to eat.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the heat-treated flour into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Mix in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookie Dough Hearts: Using your hands or a heart-shaped mold, form the dough into small heart shapes. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, gently melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) until smooth and glossy, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Coat the Cookie Dough Hearts: Dip each chilled cookie dough heart into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated hearts back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Set the Coating: Refrigerate the coated hearts for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens and sets completely before serving.
Notes
- Heat-treating flour is essential to make the cookie dough safe for raw consumption.
- Optional coconut oil in the chocolate helps create a smoother and shinier coating.
- Store the cookie dough hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters or molds for consistent shapes and presentation.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and sweetened condensed milk with vegan alternatives.
